HIV/AIDS Prevention Program among Street Based Sex Workers in Chittagong (Modhumita Project)

Coverage: Chittagong City

Duration: 2002 to 2011

Situation

While Bangladesh is still a low prevalence area for HIV/AIDS, there are many factors that increase the nation's exposure to the rapidly spreading disease. These factors include the stigmatization and exclusion of street-based sex workers (SBSW), leaving them among the most vulnerable of the population. Since Chittagong is a port city with an active sex trade it is especially important to assess and educate the SBSWs concerning HIV/AIDS and STIs, as well as provide them with care, referral and support. It is approximated that there are at least 4000 SBSWs in Chittagong City.

Initiative

Two Modhumita Centers have been set up to facilitate and combat the spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS in this area. The strategy for handling this situation comes in three major activities:

1. Advocacy & Education

Community support for the HIV/AIDS problem means sustainable change for vulnerable populations. YPSA advocates alleviating the potential endemic by:

• Distribution of public awareness materials
• Conduction of STI and HIV/AIDS awareness meetings with client of sex workers.  
• Organization of World AIDS Day activities' for mass awareness of STI and HIV/AIDS issues
• Formation of Project Facilitation Team (PFT)

2. Prevention

Prevention of HIV/AIDS occurs by educating street based sex workers and their clients through:

• Strategic  Behavior Change Communication (SBC) workshops, as well as one to one sessions about STI and HIV/AIDS issues (e.g., condom demonstration) with SBSW and their clients ensures long term knowledge

• To make sure preventive measures are taken, there has presently been a distribution of over 683570 male condoms and approximately 12000  lubricants to sex workers and their clients
• A safe space that gives emotional support and self worth for the sex workers by giving them workshops on empowerment, skill training, literacy and adult education

3. Treatment

Finally, free treatment of STIs and HIV testing which includes a medical doctor and a microbiologist make certain that there is hope for a street based sex worker's future. The services include:

• Pre & post test counseling
• HIV rapid tests with same day results
• Promotion of  counseling and testing services
• Referral services for HIV positive individuals to care and support networks for people with HIV/AIDS

Outcomes

As the first NGO to celebrate World AIDS Day in Bangladesh, YPSA continues to break ground. YPSA's target was to reach 2000 street-based sex workers and 25000 clients of sex workers in Chittagong; the team has surpassed their goal by reaching 2800 street-based sex workers, and 32723 of their clients!
Presently, the project is providing STI & CT services for every sex worker. As an ongoing process, the project aims to look beyond medical treatment and move into sustainable independence for sex workers by providing them with rehabilitation for underage sex workers, an education facility for children of sex workers, and income generating skills.
We have started saving program among sex workers, now we have 60 group members in both centers. We distributed loan also for their better life. YPSA recognizes that the focus should not solely lie on the women, and would like to open a Modhumita center for the clients of sex workers.

Supporting Organizations

Family Health International